Why You Still Feel Off When Your Labs Are “Normal”
A Motherhood-Centered Guide to Understanding Symptoms Beyond Basic Lab Work
By Annabelle Carney, PA-C | Women’s Mental Health & Motherhood
Motherhood changes everything — your schedule, your energy, your hormones, your sleep, and honestly… your entire identity.
But one of the most frustrating experiences I hear from moms is this:
“My labs came back normal… so why do I still feel exhausted, anxious, overwhelmed, or just not myself?”
If you’ve ever walked out of a doctor’s office feeling dismissed because your labs were “fine,” you’re not alone. And no, feeling awful is not “just motherhood.”
Today, we’re breaking down why normal labs don’t always tell the full story and what might actually be going on underneath.
“Normal” Isn’t the Same as Optimal
Most standard labs use reference ranges that are based on the average population , not on what helps you feel your best.
And let’s be honest…
The average population is chronically stressed, nutrient-depleted, and running on caffeine and five hours of sleep.
So when your results fall into the “normal range,” it only means you’re not sick enough to trigger a medical diagnosis.
It does not mean your body is functioning optimally.
A better question is…
Are your levels in the range where women — especially postpartum or stressed moms — actually feel good?
Motherhood Is a Metabolic Marathon
Pregnancy, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and sleep deprivation create huge demands on your body.
It takes:
more minerals
more iron
more thyroid support
more B vitamins
more regulation of cortisol
more rest than most mothers ever actually get
So if you feel drained, it’s because your body has been running a marathon on fumes.
This isn’t weakness.
This is physiology.
Stress + Hormones + Sleep = The Perfect Storm
I hear from mamas all the time:
Tired all the time—no matter what
Can’t think clearly
Feeling overwhelmed
Mood swings
Anxiety that feels “out of nowhere”
Low motivation
These are not personality flaws.They’re signs that your nervous system, hormones, and minerals are out of balance — long before labs reveal anything “abnormal.”
Think of your body like a phone battery that always stays between 9–20%. It’s technically, it’s on…but one small thing can drain it instantly.
That is what chronic depletion feels like.
You Deserve to Feel Better Than “Fine”
You should not have to hit rock bottom before someone takes your symptoms seriously.
If you’re a mom and you’re feeling:
Not yourself
More anxious than usual
More tired than what seems normal
Disconnected, overwhelmed, or unlike the old you
…that is not something to ignore.
It’s a sign your body needs support — not dismissal.
So What Do You Do Now?
I want you to know that your symptoms matter. Your experience matters. And feeling “off” is not something you have to just push through.
Try to get a complete picture of what’s going on in your body. Share your concerns with your provider and tell them that you want to look at the following labs:
Functional thyroid markers
Ferritin and iron saturation
B12 + folate
Vitamin D
Cortisol patterns
Inflammation markers
Hormone balance
These deeper markers often reveal exactly why you’ve been feeling the way you do — even when basic labs look “normal.”
Motherhood is hard…but you’re not meant to survive it running on empty.
You deserve to feel supported, balanced, and well.
Prefer to listen instead of read?
I talk through all of this in today’s video — the lab stuff, the burnout, and what’s often missed for moms.
You can watch it here 👉 [Watch the video]
If You Want Personalized Support
I offer virtual women’s mental health care across Florida through my practice, Bloom & Balance Psychiatry, specializing in:
Postpartum anxiety & depression
Pregnancy-safe medication guidance
Perinatal mental wellness
Perimenopause
Hormone + nutrient optimization
If you’re navigating any of this, see what support might look like for you and book a free consult HERE: